Search Results (926)

In the rock–soil–biology–water ecosystem, rock weathering provides essential plant nutrients. However, its supply is insufficient for rising crop demands under population growth and climate change, while excessive fertilizer causes soil degradation and pollution. This study innovatively irrigated with carbonate rock leachates to enhance soil nutrient availability. A pot experiment with lettuce showed that irrigation significantly increased soil NO₃⁻-N (+102.20%), available K (+16.45%), available P (+17.95%), Ca (+6.04%), Mg (+11.65%), and Fe (+11.60%), and elevated the relative abundance of Firmicutes. Lettuce biomass per plant rose by 23.78%, with higher leaf minerals (P, K, Ca, and Mg) and antioxidants (carotenoids and ascorbic acid). A field experiment further confirmed improvement of soil nutrient availability and peanut yield. This carbonate rock leachate irrigation technique effectively enhances soil quality and crop productivity/quality, offering a sustainable approach for green agriculture. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the forage yield, quality, and weed suppression potential of narbon vetch (Vicia narbonensis L.) and Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.) grown as sole crops and in mixtures under organic farming conditions in Bilecik, Turkey, during the 2020–2021 growing season. The experiment included 15 treatments comprising monocultures and mixed sowing at different ratios. Measurements included morphological traits, forage yield components (green herbage, hay, and crude protein), fiber content, botanical composition, and weed biomass. The results reveal significant differences among treatments in terms of growth parameters and forage performance. Monocultures of IFVN 567 and Bartigra showed the highest green and hay yields, while mixtures such as IFVN 567 + Trinova and IFVN 567 + Bartigra outperformed in terms of land equivalent ratio (LER) and protein yield, demonstrating a clear advantage in land use efficiency. Furthermore, these mixtures showed superior weed suppression compared to monocultures. Overall, the findings suggest that carefully selected vetch–ryegrass combinations can enhance forage productivity, nutritional quality, and weed management under organic systems. Full article

Mabroom dates (Phoenix dactylifera L.) are recognized as one of the most important crops in Qatar. Fresh fruit dates are susceptible to mould and post-harvest spoilage, resulting in a significant financial loss. Octanoic fatty acid (OFA) has been shown to regulate the growth of mould-causing organisms such as fungi and bacteria. It is known to have antibacterial properties. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the in vitro effect of OFA on the post-harvest pathogens of Mabroom fruits. Fresh, apparently healthy, and fully ripe Mabroom dates were obtained from the National Agriculture and Food Corporation (NAFCO). The chosen fruits were packed in sterile, well-ventilated plastic boxes and transported to the lab under controlled conditions. The fruits were distributed into five groups (G1 to G5). The groups G1, G2, and G3 received 1%, 2%, and 3.5% OFA, respectively, while G4 was left untreated and G5 was washed only with tap water as a positive control treatment. Each group contained 200 g of fresh and healthy semi-soft dates. The samples were then dried and incubated in a humidity chamber at 25 °C ± 2 for seven days. The signs and symptoms of decay were monitored and recorded. The presence of pathogens was confirmed via phenotypic and microscopic-based methods. The results showed a significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) among the groups. OFA at 3.5% had the strongest inhibitory action against post-harvest pathogens, followed by OFA2%. However, there were no differences (p ≤ 0.05) between OFA1% and the control groups. Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp., Rhizopus spp., and Botrytis spp. were most abundant in the control group, followed by OFA2% and OFA1%, respectively. In conclusion, octanoic fatty acid at 3.5% may improve the quality of date fruits through its high antimicrobial activity, reduce the effect of post-harvest decay, minimize the loss of date fruits during storage, and improve the sustainability of date fruits. Further experiments are necessary to confirm the effectiveness of OFA as a green solution for sustainable date fruit production. Full article

The rice-wheat rotation is the main agricultural cropping system in Jiangsu Province, playing a vital role in ensuring food security and promoting economic development. However, current research on rice-wheat systems mainly focuses on in-situ controlled experiments at the point scale, with limited studies addressing carbon footprint (CF) and energy balance (EB) at the regional scale and long time series. Therefore, we analyzed the evolution patterns of the CF and EB of the rice-wheat system in Jiangsu Province from 1980 to 2022, as well as their influencing factors. The results showed that the sown area and total yield of rice and wheat exhibited an increasing–decreasing–increasing trend during 1980–2022, while the yield per unit area increased continuously. The CF of rice and wheat increased by 4172.27 kg CO₂ eq ha⁻¹ and 2729.18 kg CO₂ eq ha⁻¹, respectively, with the greenhouse gas emissions intensity (GHGI) showing a fluctuating upward trend. Furthermore, CH₄ emission, nitrogen (N) fertilizer, and irrigation were the main factors affecting the CF of rice, with proportions of 36%, 20.26%, and 17.34%, respectively. For wheat, N fertilizer, agricultural diesel, compound fertilizer, and total N₂O emission were the primary contributors, accounting for 42.39%, 22.54%, 13.65%, and 13.14%, respectively. Among energy balances, the net energy (NE) of rice exhibited an increasing and then fluctuating trend, while that of wheat remained relatively stable. The energy utilization efficiency (EUE), energy productivity (EPD), and energy profitability (EPF) of rice showed an increasing and then decreasing trend, while wheat decreased by 46.31%, 46.31%, and 60.62% during 43 years, respectively. Additionally, N fertilizer, agricultural diesel, and compound fertilizer accounted for 43.91–45.37%, 21.63–25.81%, and 12.46–20.37% of energy input for rice and wheat, respectively. Moreover, emission factors and energy coefficients may vary over time, which is an important consideration in the analysis of long-term time series. This study analyzes the ecological and environmental effects of the rice-wheat system in Jiangsu Province, which helps to promote the development of agriculture in a green, low-carbon, and high-efficiency direction. It also offers a theoretical basis for constructing a low-carbon sustainable agricultural production system. Full article

Amid global environmental changes, urbanisation erodes nature connectedness, an important driver of pro-environmental behaviours and human well-being, exacerbating human-made risks like biodiversity loss and climate change. This study introduces a novel hybrid agent-based model (ABM), calibrated with historical urbanisation data, to explore how urbanisation, opportunity and orientation to engage with nature, and intergenerational transmission have shaped nature connectedness over time. The model simulates historical trends (1800–2020) against target data, with projections extending to 2125. The ABM revealed a significant nature connectedness decline with excellent fit to the target data, derived from nature word use in cultural products. Although a lifetime ‘extinction of experience’ mechanism refined the fit, intergenerational transmission emerged as the dominant driver—supporting a socio-ecological tipping point in human–nature disconnection. Even with transformative interventions like dramatic urban greening and enhanced nature engagement, projections suggest a persistent disconnection from nature through to 2050, highlighting locked-in risks to environmental stewardship. After 2050, the most transformative interventions trigger a self-sustaining recovery, highlighting the need for sustained, systemic policies that embed nature connectedness into urban planning and education. Full article

The efficient depolymerization of lignin has become a key challenge in the preparation of high-value-added chemicals. Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄)-based photocatalytic system shows potential due to its mild and green characteristics over other depolymerization methods. However, its inherent defects, such as a wide band gap and rapid carrier recombination, severely limit its catalytic performance. In this paper, a g-C₃N₄ modification strategy of K⁺ doping and surface alkalinization is proposed, which is firstly applied to the photocatalytic depolymerization of the lignin β-O-4 model compound (2-phenoxy-1-phenylethanol). K⁺ doping is achieved by introducing KCl in the precursor thermal polymerization stage to weaken the edge structure strength of g-C₃N₄, and post-treatment with KOH solution is combined to optimize the surface basic groups. The structural/compositional evolution of the materials was analyzed by XRD, FTIR, and XPS. The morphology/element distribution was visualized by SEM-EDS, and the optoelectronic properties were evaluated by UV–vis DRS, PL, EIS, and transient photocurrent (TPC). K⁺ doping and surface alkalinization synergistically regulate the layered structure of the material, significantly increase the specific surface area, introduce nitrogen vacancies and hydroxyl functional groups, effectively narrow the band gap (optimized to 2.35 eV), and inhibit the recombination of photogenerated carriers by forming electron capture centers. Photocatalytic experiments show that the alkalinized g-C₃N₄ can completely depolymerize 2-phenoxy-1-phenylethanol with tunable product selectivity. By adjusting reaction time and catalyst dosage, the dominant product can be shifted from benzaldehyde (up to 77.28% selectivity) to benzoic acid, demonstrating precise control over oxidation degree. Mechanistic analysis shows that the surface alkaline sites synergistically optimize the C_β-O bond breakage path by enhancing substrate adsorption and promoting the generation of active oxygen species (·OH, ·O₂⁻). This study provides a new idea for the efficient photocatalytic depolymerization of lignin and lays an experimental foundation for the interface engineering and band regulation strategies of g-C₃N₄-based catalysts. Full article

Microalgal biomass has emerged as a valuable and nutrient-rich source of novel plant-based foods of the future, with several demonstrated benefits. In addition to their green and health-promoting characteristics, these foods exhibit bioactive properties that contribute to a range of physiological benefits. Photoautotrophic microalgae are particularly important as a source of food products due to their ability to biosynthesize high-value compounds. Their photosynthetic efficiency and biosynthetic activity are directly influenced by light conditions. The primary goal of this study is to track the changes in the light requirements of various high-value microalgae species and use advanced systems to regulate these conditions. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) models have emerged as pivotal tools for intelligent microalgal cultivation. This approach involves the continuous monitoring of microalgal growth, along with the real-time optimization of environmental factors and light conditions. By accumulating data through cultivation experiments and training AI models, the development of intelligent microalgae cell factories is becoming increasingly feasible. This review provides a concise overview of the regulatory mechanisms that govern microalgae growth in response to light conditions, explores the utilization of microalgae-based products in plant-based foods, and highlights the potential for future research on intelligent microalgae cultivation systems. Full article

This study examined three innovative ‘light-converting films’ that convert green light (−23%) into red light (+8%; Red film), ultraviolet light (−80%) into blue light (+9%; Blue film), and green light (−5.7%) into red light (+4%; Pink film) but also ultraviolet light (−76%) into blue light (+5.6%; Pink film). These films were used for growing blueberry plants under cover under controlled tunnel conditions (27.3 ± 11.7 °C, 51.9 ± 21.6% RH). The use of Red film led to increases in the total plant biomass (+54.2%), and Red and Pink films enhanced the leaf thickness (+17.1% and +14.4%, respectively) as compared to the control (a transparent polyethylene film). No differences in the photosynthetic rate (P_n) were observed at the flowering stage, but a decrease (−25.9%) was observed in plants grown under the Pink film during the green fruit stage. The plants grown under Blue film boosted flower production, leading to +86.8% increase in the total yield. The Blue film improved the total phenolic content (+15.2%) in the fruit, and a +25.3% greater total antioxidant capacity was observed in fruit grown under Pink film. Freshly harvested blueberries were subjected to postharvest experiments (4 °C; in dark conditions; 90–95% RH). The results suggest the importance of Red film in enhancing plant biomass and Red and Blue films in improving fruit yield and maintaining nutraceutical postharvest quality in blueberry fruit. Full article

With growing environmental consciousness and projections that green markets will represent 10% of global market value by 2030, a significant gap persists between consumers’ stated environmental concerns and their actual purchasing behaviour for green products. This study investigates how green brand positioning influences consumer purchase intention for green technology products, examining the mediating roles of self-image congruence and functional congruence, and the moderating effects of product involvement level and product optionality. A quantitative survey was conducted with 354 US participants who possess at least a bachelor’s degree and have experience with technology products, using validated scales through structural equation modelling and mediation analysis. The findings demonstrate a significant positive relationship between green brand positioning and purchase intention. Self-image congruence partially mediated this relationship, while functional congruence also served as a significant mediator. The product involvement level positively moderated the mediation effect of self-image congruence, whereas product optionality negatively moderated the mediation effect of functional congruence. Green brand positioning effectively enhances purchase intention when consumers perceive alignment with their environmental self-image and when products maintain a functional equivalence to non-green alternatives. Companies should focus on building environmental self-congruence while ensuring product quality to maximise green marketing effectiveness and bridge the intention–behaviour gap. Full article

Exploring the mechanisms by which green agricultural production reduces emissions and enhances carbon sequestration in soil can provide a scientific basis for greenhouse gas reduction and sustainable development in farmland. This study uses a combination of meta-analysis and field experiments to evaluate the impact of different agricultural management practices and climatic conditions on soil organic carbon (SOC) and the emissions of CO₂ and CH₄, as well as the role of microorganisms. The results indicate the following: (1) Meta-analysis reveals that the long-term application of organic fertilizers in green agriculture increases SOC at a rate four times higher than that of chemical fertilizers. No-till and straw return practices significantly reduce CO₂ emissions from alkaline soils by 30.7% (p < 0.05). Warm and humid climates in low-altitude regions are more conducive to soil carbon sequestration. (2) Structural equation modeling of plant–microbe–soil carbon interactions shows that plant species diversity (PSD) indirectly affects microbial biomass by influencing organic matter indicators, mineral properties, and physicochemical characteristics, thereby regulating soil carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas emissions. (3) Field experiments conducted in the typical green farming research area of Chenzhuang reveal that soils managed under natural farming absorb CH₄ at a rate three times higher than those under conventional farming, and the stoichiometric ratios of soil enzymes in the former are close to 1. The peak SOC (19.90 g/kg) in the surface soil of Chenzhuang is found near fields cultivated with natural farming measures. This study provides theoretical support and practical guidance for the sustainable development of green agriculture. Full article

Passiflora cincinnata (Mast), native to the Brazilian semi-arid region, produces exotic fruits even under low water availability. However, its green coloration at ripening complicates optimal harvesting, impacting post-harvest fruit quality. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the influence of cultivation systems (irrigated and rainfed) and different ripening stages on the physical and post-harvest characteristics of wild passion fruit during the second production cycle. The experiment was conducted using a randomized block design in a 2 × 4 factorial scheme, corresponding to two cultivation systems (irrigated and rainfed) and four fruit ripening stages (60, 80, 100, and 120 days after anthesis—DAA), with five replications. The fruit pulps were analyzed for physicochemical characterization and bioactive compounds. The physical and chemical characteristics of wild passion fruit were influenced by ripening stages and the irrigation system. The rainfed system decreased the total fruit mass by 15.50% compared to the irrigated cultivation. Additionally, the rainfed cultivation reduced the fruit color index by 14.82% and altered the respiratory pattern, causing a linear decrease of 73.37% in the respiration rate during ripening, in contrast to the behavior observed in the irrigated system, which reached an estimated minimum rate of 33.74 mg CO₂ kg⁻¹ h⁻¹ at 110 days after anthesis. Full article

Green-synthesized metal nanoparticles show promise in nanomedicine and material engineering. In this study, the polysaccharide of Zingiber officinale (ZOP) was used as a raw material. Through single-factor experiments and a response surface methodology, the optimum synthesis protocol of Zingiber officinale polysaccharide silver nanoparticles (ZOP-NPs-AgNPs) was determined as follows: V(AgNO₃):V(ZOP) = 2.98:1, 59.79 °C, 3 h, pH 9, and 20 mL NaCl, achieving a 92.51% silver chelation rate. Structure analysis revealed that ZOP-NPs-AgNPs were spherical or quasi-spherical, with a particle size < 20 nm and a face-centered cubic crystal structure, which has good thermal stability. Subsequent studies explored the antibacterial and immunomodulatory effects of ZOP-NPs-AgNPs. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of ZOP-NPs-AgNPs against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was determined to be 0.5000 mg/mL and 0.0310 mg/mL, respectively, while the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was 0.5000 mg/mL and 0.0310 mg/mL, respectively. Additionally, ZOP-NPs-AgNPs significantly enhance RAW264.7 cell proliferation and phagocytosis and boost IL−1β, IL−6, NO, and TNF-α production. This confirms that ZOP can act as a green reductant and stabilizer, offering a new method for green nano-silver synthesis. This provides a sustainable way to produce antibacterial products and functional foods, and offers useful references for eco-friendly nano-silver applications. Full article

This study examines the behavioral mechanism of sustainable consumption through which greenwashing (GW) perception influences consumers’ intention to purchase green food, with a particular focus on Chinese consumers. Grounded in the value-based adoption model (VAM), we propose a structural model that incorporates perceived benefit (PB) and perceived sacrifice (PS) as mediating variables and GW perception as a moderating variable. Using survey data from 347 Chinese respondents, the analysis is conducted via partial least squares structural equation modeling. The results indicate that environmental knowledge, environmental awareness (EA), green food characteristics (GFCs), and consumer characteristics significantly enhance PB, whereas EA and GFCs reduce PS. PB has a positive effect on green food purchase intention, whereas PS has a negative effect. Notably, GW perception does not significantly moderate the relationship between PB and purchase intention, but it does intensify the negative impact of PS on purchase intention. This suggests that consumers who are sensitive to GW are more likely to reject green food products when they experience a high PS. This study contributes to the literature by extending the application of the VAM in the context of sustainable consumption and offering empirical insights into the psychological effects of GW. Practical implications include marketing strategies aimed at reducing PS and fostering trust through transparent, verifiable green claims. Policymakers are encouraged to improve certification systems and public education efforts to alleviate consumer skepticism in the green food market. Full article

The production of AISI 304 stainless steel (a corrosion-resistant alloy prone to solidification defects from high alloy content) particularly benefits from twin-roll strip casting—a short-process green technology enabling sub-rapid solidification (the maximum cooling rate exceeds 1000 °C/s) control for high-performance steels. However, the internal phenomena within its molten pool remain exceptionally challenging to monitor. This study developed a multiscale numerical model to simulate coupled fluid flow, heat transfer, and solidification in AISI 304 stainless steel twin-roll strip casting. A quarter-symmetry 3D model captured macroscopic transport phenomena, while a slice model resolved mesoscopic solidification structure. Laboratory experiments had verified that the deviation between the predicted temperature field and the measured average value (1384.3 °C) was less than 5%, and the error between the solidification structure simulation and the electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) data was within 5%. The flow field and flow trajectory showed obvious recirculation zones: the center area was mainly composed of large recirculation zones, and many small recirculation zones appeared at the edges. Parameter studies showed that, compared with the high superheat (110 °C), the low superheat (30 °C) increased the total solid fraction by 63% (from 8.3% to 13.6%) and increased the distance between the kiss point and the bottom of the molten pool by 154% (from 6.2 to 15.8 mm). The location of the kiss point is a key industrial indicator for assessing solidification integrity and the risk of strip fracture. In terms of mesoscopic solidification structure, low superheat promoted the formation of coarse columnar crystals (equiaxed crystals accounted for 8.9%), while high superheat promoted the formation of equiaxed nucleation (26.5%). The model can be used to assist in the setting of process parameters and process optimization for twin-roll strip casting. Full article

In response to growing environmental concerns, hydrogen production has emerged as a critical element in the transition to a sustainable global economy. We evaluate the impact of hydrogen production on both the financial performance and market value of energy sector companies, using balanced panel data from 288 European-listed firms over the period of 2018 to 2022. The findings reveal a paradox. While hydrogen production imposes significant financial constraints, it is positively recognized by market participants. Despite short-term financial challenges, companies engaged in hydrogen production experience higher market value, as investors view these activities as a long-term growth opportunity aligned with global sustainability goals. We contribute to the literature by offering empirical evidence on the financial outcomes and market valuation of hydrogen engagement, distinguishing between production and storage activities, and further categorizing production into green, blue, and gray hydrogen. By examining these nuances, we highlight the complex relationship between financial market results. While hydrogen production may negatively impact short-term financial performance, its potential for long-term value creation, driven by decarbonization efforts and sustainability targets, makes it attractive to investors. Ultimately, this study provides valuable insights into how hydrogen engagement shapes corporate strategies within the evolving European energy landscape. Full article